This site has been a huge help to me the past few yrs dealing with her delusions and dementia which led her to Assisted Living from living independently her whole life. Though she passed in her sleep, I can't help believe that the assortment of drugs she was given led to her death. I know that they aleviated the delusions and psychosis but at what expense? I just want to say that anyone in this situation needs to pay very close attention to the signs of change from the drugs. We did but we also believed that the dr knew best, however it seems that some AL doctors just keep the patients medicated. My beautiful mother was not the same person this past year and it hurt to watch. Thank you to all who contributed to the numerous questions I posted. I am eternally grateful for your help and knowledge through this difficult time.
Dementia is so very complex. My Mom is in final stage of dementia which was caused by a bad fall and she is so restless, seeing things that aren't there, very confused by everything... if the doctor takes her off the medicines that keep her as calm as can be, she has really bad delirium. It's a tough balancing act. And how much more time would my Mom really gain in the physical/mental condition trap that she is in. I hope my Mom passes in her sleep, sooner than later. Plus it is so hard seeing the heartbreak on my Dad's face seeing my Mom like that :(
My feeling is that without the meds your mother's psychosis and delusions may have caused her to injure herself in some way, as mine did with falls and trips to the ER, and so hasten her passing. Take some comfort in the fact she lived to a ripe old age, only needing care in the last year of her life. Like my mother, her body was worn out and she is now at peace. God Bless you.
(((hugs))) to you and your family
The drugs that are administered while in Assisted Living make your loved one comfortable. I did not want my mother to suffer as much as she did, but she held onto life as long as she could despite the drugs. We just never know when their body will give out.
Things will get easier as time passes. Do not dwell on what might have been. Concentrate on yourself.